Canadian judoka Francois Gauthier-Drapeau secured his second Grand Slam gold medal in Abu Dhabi. Gauthier-Drapeau swiftly took the lead against Abdul-Kerim Tasuev from Russia and clinched victory in the men’s 81-kilogram final with a well-executed waza-ari move. The 27-year-old athlete from Alma, Que., expressed satisfaction with his performance, highlighting his effective techniques and quick point accumulation.
Despite facing a formidable opponent, Gauthier-Drapeau acknowledged his nerves but emphasized the need to bring his best to the mat. He navigated a challenging situation, avoiding a third penalty that could jeopardize his lead and managed to stay composed under pressure.
Gauthier-Drapeau’s victory marked his 11th Grand Slam medal, achieved by defeating competitors like Ramon Hernandez Jr., Shinebayar Oyunchimeg, and Georgi Gramatikov. His triumph not only boosts his confidence but also adds to his recent success at the Pan-American Open in Montreal, where he claimed gold in the under-90 kg division.
Having previously represented Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Gauthier-Drapeau aims to continue his winning streak. Meanwhile, Jessica Klimkait from Whitby, Ont., faced disappointment in the women’s 63 kg bronze-medal match against Italy’s Carlotta Avanzato. Both Gauthier-Drapeau and Klimkait are set to compete at the upcoming Tokyo Grand Slam, joined by seven other Canadian judokas.